Wi-Fi Frame Extensions for Receiver Processing Delays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increased number of tones in newer Wi-Fi standards, such as IEEE 802.11ax, leads to longer processing times for receivers, causing delays in data frame processing due to the additional processing required, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of frame extensions in data frames, where the access point indicates the length of the frame extension, allowing receivers more time to process the data frames by extending the frame beyond the end of useful data, thereby reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a larger number of tones are processed and decoded in data frames, then data throughput is improved, but processing time for receivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data frame into two distinct parts: a first portion containing the actual data and a second portion (frame extension) containing padding or extended data. This segmentation allows receivers to process the first portion separately and complete decoding before the second portion arrives, thereby maintaining high data throughput while reducing the critical processing time requirement. The frame extension acts as a buffer that decouples the data delivery time from the processing completion time.
2Productivity
If additional processing time is provided for receivers, then processing efficiency is improved, but the short interframe space (SIFS) timing is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by extending the frame in the time domain through the frame extension portion. Instead of lengthening the SIFS interval, the invention adds time within the frame structure itself. The frame extension allows the data frame to occupy more time resources without modifying the fixed SIFS timing between frames, effectively adding a dimension to the frame structure that provides processing time while preserving the original interframe timing constraints.
3Reliability
If frame extensions are added to data frames, then processing time requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of frame length by introducing a variable frame extension portion. The length of this extension can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific processing requirements of different receivers and different data frames. By making the frame extension parameter adjustable rather than fixed, the system can meet varying processing time requirements without permanently increasing the complexity of all frame structures. Receivers can be configured to handle different extension lengths, and the transmitting device can adapt the frame extension size to match the actual processing needs, thereby balancing reliability requirements with device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications and, more particularly, to Wi-Fi systems including frame extensions in transmission frames. Lengths of frame extensions may be determined based on transmission bandwidths and transmission data rates of the frames. Lengths of frame extensions may also be determined based on an amount of useful data in a final symbol of the frame. An access point (AP) may determine frame extension lengths for use in transmitting to stations (STAs) based on reception capabilities of the STAs. An AP may determine frame extension lengths for STAs to use in transmitting frames.